Hi Suzanne, sorry I wasn't able to respond to your question earlier! "Fuzzy" could mean mold, which is a little worrisome. Since it sounds like you have normally been quite diligent in your feeding routine, and that this hasn't happened before, then it might be worth removing the top layer and continuing to feed some of the healthier starter below. If you don't see any further sign of fuzziness, and your starter is rising predictably, then you should be fine. However, I would encourage you to cover your starter more securely so the surface doesn't dry out on top. The reason we say to "cover loosely" isn't because the starter needs airflow in order to ferment properly (it doesn't), but because fermentation gases can build up in a tightly lidded container and cause the lid to pop off. It's fine to cover your starter container with plastic wrap, or even the lid, as long as there is sufficient head room for gases to collect above the starter, and you open the container now and then to vent the gases. I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.
May 7, 2020 at 11:59am
In reply to Hi there! I've been working… by Suzanne (not verified)
Hi Suzanne, sorry I wasn't able to respond to your question earlier! "Fuzzy" could mean mold, which is a little worrisome. Since it sounds like you have normally been quite diligent in your feeding routine, and that this hasn't happened before, then it might be worth removing the top layer and continuing to feed some of the healthier starter below. If you don't see any further sign of fuzziness, and your starter is rising predictably, then you should be fine. However, I would encourage you to cover your starter more securely so the surface doesn't dry out on top. The reason we say to "cover loosely" isn't because the starter needs airflow in order to ferment properly (it doesn't), but because fermentation gases can build up in a tightly lidded container and cause the lid to pop off. It's fine to cover your starter container with plastic wrap, or even the lid, as long as there is sufficient head room for gases to collect above the starter, and you open the container now and then to vent the gases. I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.
Barb